Houston's real shopping mecca: Hot new stores make Woodlands a lure

Kiehl's opened its second Houston area location in The Woodlands Mall.
Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Kiehl's is a one-stop skin care and beauty apothecary.
Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Vinyard Vines on Market Street in The Woodlands is all about color.
Heather Staible

Kate Spade New York and Keds have teamed up for a fun shoe collection.
Heather Staible

Trina Turk's new store on Market Street is next door to Michael Kors.
Heather Staible

There’s a reason why so many residents of The Woodlands rarely venture into Houston to shop. Major retailers continue flocking to the upscale suburb, giving locals plenty of options for shopping, beauty and entertainment.

Some stores are brand new, some are coming soon and some are new(ish) and just feel like summer. Here's a list to get you started:

Beauty and skincare company Kiehl’s is open in The Woodlands Mall, bringing a second freestanding location to the Houston area. Crowds gathered in a long line the day of the official grand opening, proving just how enthusiastic shoppers are for the naturally-derived line of products for men and women.

Look for white coats for answers to product questions.

Bowlero
Bowlero is shaking up The Woodlands entertainment scene with its first location opening May 21 along Interstate 45 North. Bowlero is aiming for a modern kitsch feel drawing those who want to play on the 40-lane, state-of-the-art bowling alley and others who prefer to hang out in a refurbished vintage Airstream trailer turned Bowlero Ice Cream Parlor.

With school almost out, it’s a safe bet Bowlero will be a destination for parents and kids all summer long.

Trina Turk
After mulling over multiple Houston area locations for a while, the Trina Turk team decided The Woodlands would be the ideal spot for its second Texas store. Turk’s colorful line of apparel, shoes, accessories and home decor immediately feels like a vacation to a beach destination where the drinks are always chilled and the sun always shines. Doors open June 1.

Kendra Scott
The Kendra Scott store on Market Street is light punctuated with color, and everything begs to be touched. In fact, it’s encouraged.

As with other Kendra Scott stores, The Woodlands store features the Color Bar, an interactive touch screen that allows you to design your own jewelry on the spot. The shop opened in March and has quickly become a hot spot.

Nordstrom
No, Nordstrom isn’t open yet, but there’s no shortage of excitement over the upscale department store moving into the neighborhood Sept 1. Company officials are already making an imprint in the community though, hosting a tile painting event at The Woodlands Children’s Museum.

No, Nordstrom isn’t open yet, but there’s no shortage of excitement over the upscale department store's arrival.

More than 200 children flexed their creative muscle, painting fish that will be installed in the store’s Kids Wear department when the store opens.

Vineyard Vines
Vineyard Vines on Market Street is preppy, pastel and just begs to be shopped before heading off to a tropical vacation for summer. The men’s and women’s wear store is casually upscale yet there are definite bold choices especially for men who branch out in pink and blue seersucker pants or green flat front pants in a horseshoe print.

The company was started by two brothers and built on a successful tie business, so whether it's for a traditional tie or a bow tie, it’s worth checking out.

Kate Spade
We know Kate Spade New York opened in the fall, but one foot in its Market Street doors and spring has definitely sprung. Pink, floral, fun and a bit silly, the Kate Spade New York store is full of wearable dresses, easy pants and the adorable collaboration collection between the company and Keds.